Review: Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition

Between FY2009 and FY2014, the federal government provided nearly $18 billiondollars in funds and resources to support programs that provide equipment and tactical resourcesto state and local LEAs. LEAs can acquire equipment through various programs administered bythe Departments of Justice (DOJ), Defense (DOD), Homeland Security (DHS), Treasury(Treasury), and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).1 DOJ, DHS and ONDCPdirectly fund equipment purchases through multiple grant programs. DOD manages the transferof excess equipment and also helps LEAs obtain new equipment at lower DOD prices.Additionally, DOJ and Treasury fund equipment purchases and other law enforcement activitiesthrough the equitable sharing component of the federal asset forfeiture programs. Theseprograms, in the main, have been valuable and have provided state and local law enforcementwith needed assistance as they carry out their critical missions in helping to keep the Americanpeople safe.